Dennis Paul Renner's Comments

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I started out on BMX as a kid, moved on to mountain biking. Took a 15 year hiatus (marriage), now back on it for a couple years. About three months ago I got a road bike for exercise in anticipation of not being able to run after my knee surgery in late April. I have a cruiser, a 5in. full suspension GT Force MB, and a Specialized Allez Epic that is wicked light.

Hi again Dennis! I found the logo. Very cool! I like the colors and professional look. You did notice they were upright bikes on the logo? One day I will have more time to get into these discussion groups. On favorite rides, I have like 20 of them. It's more the feel when you're there riding it than the trail itself. Sure features play a role. The tight hairpin at mile marker 302 on White Spar State Route 89 south of Prescott does it for me as a road ride.

Dennis:
I have had the Volae for about 2 weeks now. The learning curve was short. I have no problem getting going from even a slight uphill stop. Steering is fun except for the occasional heel strike. I have rear-view mirrors on order along with a back of the mesh seat bag for a hydration bladder and water bottles. I did push it to hard the first day and hurt my knees a little but that has resolved. I'm doing 10 miles a day slightly more slowly than my diamond frame but figure within a couple of months I can do a short 4 day weekend 200 mile tour. Its very easy on my back, shoulders, and wrists. Once I get my bent legs I will start pushing up my speed. It is a beautiful machine and I am enjoying it a lot. Thanks for the recommendation.
Al

Dennis,
Thanks for the advice on the Volae bikes. I was unaware of them. The Rans Enduro I'm looking at has a 43" wheelbase, weighs a little less than the Volae at 30 lbs (same 4130 Cromaloy frame material). The Rans has a lower crankset with 22 being the smallest chainring. The biggest difference I see is that the Volae has better wheels (dual 26") and disc brakes. What is your feeling regarding the dual 26" wheels vs 26" rear and 20" front (other than the fact that on tour you have two tube/tires sizes to carry)?
Thanks for any and all imput!!
Al

Hi Dennis:
Thanks for the friend request. I am looking at getting a Rans Enduro or a Bachetta Gir(o 20. I have a guy here in Alameda (Zach Kaplan) who is all over the BentRider and Bike Forums who is going to show them to me. I was originally interested in a LWB but he is of the opinion that a SWB is probably better for touring?? Any thoughts?
Al

Like to bike? Like to talk to people? Have your weekends free? Need some extra cash? Being a Boulder bike ambassador could be your dream job.

Boulder’s Walk and Bike Month program and Community Cycles are joining together to hire two bike ambassadors to work from June through mid September. The work is $12 an hour for 12 to 15 hours per week.

From the job description:

BAs will work with the community at the Farmer’s Market, CC’s Rolling Bike Clinics, the Family Learning Center, CU and other community events, schools, recreation centers and worksites to teach specific skills that encourage safe and convenient use of Boulder’s roadways, paths and transit routes.
Link

You are terrific... Good grief a 10 day bike ride would do me in for good. Is your wife as athletic as you? I need to get moving, I'm totally ashamed of myself. I hope to join a bird watching club when I move to Ithaca and I'm not going to be able to hike around those hills unless I'm in better shape. Gotta get me a coach to run me ragged...lol...

Hi Paul, I've heard a good deal about Sedona and would love to visit there one day...sigh.... I'm not a hot weather person myself, and hate the humidity and heat that we suffer here on Long Island during the summer, but it does pass. Autumn is my favorite season. I'm moving North in August and I'm nervous about dealing with the amount of snow and frigid temperatures that I'll experience living in Ithaca, NY, but somehow I'll manage. Gulp. I truly hope I'm not making a terrible mistake... oh my. I'd hate to have to move again...

Do you do much gardening in Arizona? What do you grow and when is the best growing season? My brother lives in Mesa, but sad to say we're estranged... My uncle and two cousins live Scottsdale, and I have cousins that live near Denver. I really should make the time and spend the money to do some traveling and visit with them. If I ever make it out your way, I hope we can meet for coffee... You are welcome to visit with me if ever you make it that far east...lol...

Dennis, your pictures are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing them with me. I have family that lives in Arizona, but have never visited them unfortunately. I spent a summer while in college living in Santa Fe, so I did get a chance to experience the desert... I have also traveled driving cross country a few times in my youth, so there too I marveled at the diversity of our amazing country. I have to admit that I'm a New Englander at heart, and can't imagine myself relocating to any other place in the US permanently, but I'd love to visit the west again for an extended stay. Where exactly is Cottonwood? Have you always lived in Arizona?

Hi Dennis, thank you so much for posting those beautiful flower snapshots. It's great that you keep so active, were you always a bicycle enthusiast? I want to get a rechargeable motorized bike...lol... It's the only way I'd be able to get over any hill of any consequence. Sorry it took me days to respond, have been out of commission for a bit, not feeling well lately.... But felt good enough to check things out today. Keep in touch.

Hi Dennis, I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I did read your discussion, Time to Progress, and truly appreciated what you wrote, and will respond once I give it some thought and finish watching the video you linked to. Hopefully, some others will respond as well (?)....